The diverse geographical conditions and cultural traditions of each region shape unique culinary practices. The adaptable survival philosophy of Quanzhou people brings out the best of local resources to create unique dishes. Situated on the subtropical coast with a warm climate, Quanzhou cuisine emphasizes light, healthy, and flavourful dishes, retaining the essence of Han culinary traditions. Through its choice of ingredients and cooking methods, Quanzhou's culinary history reflects its rich past and cultural evolution.

　　[Shishi’s ‘Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Feast’]

　　In Shishi, the "sailing harbour of the historical Maritime Silk Routes," an innovative heritage activation project has brought to life the 104 dishes described in Mountain Home Delicacies. The "Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Feast" reimagines the mountain and seafood treasures of Minnan cuisine as culinary masterpieces, showcasing the rich maritime and cultural heritage of ancient Quanzhou.

　　Shishi’s culinary heritage dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties. Its favourable environment fostered abundant produce and a refined palate. Mountain Home Delicacies by Lin Hong of Shishi became a milestone in Chinese culinary literature. Witnessed by landmarks like Wanshou Pagoda and Shihu Port, Quanzhou's role as a global trading hub shaped its cuisine, blending local resources with exotic spices and ingredients brought by maritime trade.

　　In 2022, an expert team reintroduced the "Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Feast" based on Mountain Home Delicacies. From "Crab-Stuffed Orange" to "Golden Abalone," the feast reflects Quanzhou’s maritime culture and culinary sophistication. Recognized nationally, the project earned accolades, including listing as a landmark banquet and showcasing at China’s National Museum.

　　Selected Menu Items

　　· Mountain Home Three Crisps

　　· Crab-Stuffed Orange

　　· Braised Golden Abalone

　　· Prosperity Dish

　　· Old Vinegar Eel

　　· Sea and Mountain Treasures Wrap

　　Featured Dishes

　　Crab-Stuffed Orange: Melding the Essence of Minnan’s Seafood

　　Crab-Stuffed Orange embodies the essence of Minnan’s seafood tradition.

　　Crab-Stuffed Orange originates from Mountain Home Delicacies and features local Shihu crabs delicately stuffed in an orange, blending aromas for a refined and unique culinary experience.

　　Main Ingredients: Oranges, Shihu crabs.

　　Preparation Method: Hollow out a ripe orange, fill it with crab meat, and steam until tender.

　　Old Vinegar Eel: Fusion of Freshness and Tanginess

　　Old Vinegar Eel combines Quanzhou’s hallmark freshness and tanginess.

　　This dish pairs Minnan’s eel with Yongchun vinegar, delivering a harmonious balance of richness and acidity.

　　Main Ingredients: U’er eel, Yongchun aged vinegar.

　　Preparation Method: The eel is marinated, fried, and cooked with a tangy-sweet vinegar sauce.

　　Sea and Mountain Treasures Wrap: Symbolising Culinary Fusion

　　A Southern Song delicacy, Sea and Mountain Treasures Wrap blends seasonal mountain vegetables with fresh seafood for a rich, savoury experience.

　　Main Ingredients: Fresh bamboo shoots, prawns, mung bean noodles.

　　Preparation Method: The ingredients are steamed and lightly seasoned, creating a nutritious dish.

　　Smoky Fish Soup with Shishi Fragrant Oil Rice: Nostalgia in a Bowl

　　Quanzhou’s culinary heritage reflects its people’s inclusivity and adaptability. A hallmark of this tradition is the integration of local produce into staple dishes, such as fragrant oil rice paired with smoky fish soup. These dishes encapsulate the comforting flavours of Quanzhou homes, offering a connection to one’s roots for overseas Chinese communities.

　　Shishi’s fragrant oil rice, a savoury blend of vegetables and meats, symbolises nostalgia for seafaring residents who carried its recipe worldwide. Featured in A Bite of China II, this dish resonates deeply with the global Chinese diaspora.

　　Smoky fish soup, made with Spanish mackerel, showcases Fujian’s culinary ingenuity. The soup’s preparation—pounding fish into a firm, elastic texture—symbolises the Shishi people’s resilience and innovative spirit.

　　This culinary tradition embodies the determination and creativity that define the historical journey of Shishi’s people, seamlessly blending the past with the present.